As a layman looking in, maybe the solution is simple.
We had a good pilot sent to us to fly the C130.
Was a short guy and could not reach the rudder pedals, a quick trip to the safety equipmeny guys and a thinner seat cushion was produced.
Geoff used to come out to fly and we would change the cushion and the problem was gone. An excellent pilot who eventually went to Qantas.
I do not know if it would work in your situation, but sometimes we bring up complicated solutions when simpler is best.
Seems to me that a lot of good talent is going by the board and these helicopters will be disposed of one day.
Regards
Col